After purchasing a scanner, what's next? Also a question about battery life on handheld scanners and maintenance overtime

[ManyReason]

Hello,
I am in the Lake County, IL scanner and I'm looking to get into scanning police and fire channels in the county. I recently posted a thread asking those in the Lake County, IL area for recommendations on a good scanner that can scan everything in the county (besides encrypted, obviously). I am looking to buy probably a BCD436HP or a TRX-1. Is there anything fancy that one does out of the two that beats the other? And do you guys recommend another scanner that is a good overall?

My main question is what to do after purchasing a scanner. I am probably purchasing from ScannerMaster and they have the programming service. I am completely new to scanning so is this something I am able to do myself? Is it better to just let the guys at ScannerMaster program? Or is it something like I enter my zip code and I'm ready?

My next few questions are what is the maintenance of having a scanner once you are programmed into all the frequencies? Do you have to constantly update or change something every so often to keep up or is there little to no maintenance at all after programming the first time?

And my last question is what is the battery life like on a handheld and how does one charge it (is it disposable batteries or like charging)? I am looking to have a handheld because I can listen to it mostly at home but while I am driving (legal here in IL) and walking around or getting emergency on scene footage or something

Any help appreciated, I'm sorry if I'm asking too much I am just trying to fill in the gaps of questions and concerns I have

Thanks!!

 

[DJ11DLN]

Welcome aboard! I can't address all of your questions but I'll answer the ones that I can. Both of the scanners you cite come with software and Radio Reference database access included, no extra $$$ to spend. You can plug in your zip code for either after updating the database and it will work. You will get a lot more mileage out of either by programming them yourself. Both softwares have their own type of learning curve, but they aren't impossible to learn and you will find plenty of help and advice here on RR. Paying to have the radio pre-programmed is a mixed bag, some have reported good results but many others haven't been impressed so that's going to be a YMMV thing. You would probably be better off with the zipcode method to get going at once and then learn the software.

There are many opinions on rechargeable batteries. Both scanners you mention run on AA batteries. You can use regular ones as well as rechargeables. The main thing is to get a good charger (such as the MaHa) and never let the scanner charge the batteries. Not only do you get a better charge this way, there are a number of horror stories around here about overcharged batteries exploding or even catching fire in the scanner, which at the very least will render your expensive scanner hors de combat. You can also run either scanner from external power at home or in a vehicle via a USB cable and charger, you'll only need a 1-amp charger to power the scanner.

Others more familiar with your area will have to fill in the rest of the gaps for you.

 

[ManyReason]

Welcome aboard! I can't address all of your questions but I'll answer the ones that I can. Both of the scanners you cite come with software and Radio Reference database access included, no extra $$$ to spend. You can plug in your zip code for either after updating the database and it will work. You will get a lot more mileage out of either by programming them yourself. Both softwares have their own type of learning curve, but they aren't impossible to learn and you will find plenty of help and advice here on RR. Paying to have the radio pre-programmed is a mixed bag, some have reported good results but many others haven't been impressed so that's going to be a YMMV thing. You would probably be better off with the zipcode method to get going at once and then learn the software.

There are many opinions on rechargeable batteries. Both scanners you mention run on AA batteries. You can use regular ones as well as rechargeables. The main thing is to get a good charger (such as the MaHa) and never let the scanner charge the batteries. Not only do you get a better charge this way, there are a number of horror stories around here about overcharged batteries exploding or even catching fire in the scanner, which at the very least will render your expensive scanner hors de combat. You can also run either scanner from external power at home or in a vehicle via a USB cable and charger, you'll only need a 1-amp charger to power the scanner.

Others more familiar with your area will have to fill in the rest of the gaps for you.

Thank you!! I'm actually going to probably get an SDS100 because another person in my county said because of reception issues in this county, an SDS is better

 

[DJ11DLN]

Sounds like you are making a good choice, if you have LSM, the SDS series and the Unication pagers are the only game in town. Except for a commercial radio, and that's not only expensive, it comes with a big can of worms. Most of what I said above should apply to that model, it uses the Sentinel software very similar to what the 436 uses. But it has its own battery pack/charge base so what I said about never charging the batteries in the radio doesn't apply to it. Good luck!

 

[ManyReason]

Sounds like you are making a good choice, if you have LSM, the SDS series and the Unication pagers are the only game in town. Except for a commercial radio, and that's not only expensive, it comes with a big can of worms. Most of what I said above should apply to that model, it uses the Sentinel software very similar to what the 436 uses. But it has its own battery pack/charge base so what I said about never charging the batteries in the radio doesn't apply to it. Good luck!

Thanks for your reply but I am confused with some of the SDS100 features...

1) The SDS100 comes with the RadioReference frequency database out of the box in an SD card. However, overtime when the frequency on RadioReference gets updated, does the scanner update the frequencies automatically or do I have to do something manually?

2) So because I have a RadioReference database out of the box, once I put in my zip code using the easy programming thing that means that all the frequencies in that radius of the zip code from RadioReference loads, correct? In other words, if I go to radioreference and look at all those frequencies in my county, if I put in the zip code it will take all those frequencies from radioreference.com and automatically load it in for me, right?

Sorry if I am wording this difficultly, I want to make sure the zip code programming is sufficient for me so I might not have to pay for pre programming services. Thanks for your help

 

[TailGator911]

The SDS100 is a great scanner. My personal opinion, do not pay to have your scanner programmed. Sit down with the SDS100 and the Sentinel software and dedicate yourself to learning and mastering the programming process. Not only will you be able to customize your scanner the way you like it, but you will get to know your radio and what it can do for you. Per a previous post, the zip code method will get you up and running but if you don't know the specifics and what to tweak you will get meter maids and animal control and who knows what all. There are quite a few of us on here that own the scanner and can answer questions and help you out. Just ask!

JD
kf4anc

 

[eaf1956]

As far as updates Sentinel can get updates about once a week. And yes you have to download the updates to the scanner for the main database. The good news is if there isn't a massive change in your area it really isn't all that necessary to update that often. Also, when you do Favorites Lists they are not updated or changed with the database updates.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[ManyReason]

As far as updates Sentinel can get updates about once a week. And yes you have to download the updates to the scanner for the main database. The good news is if there isn't a massive change in your area it really isn't all that necessary to update that often. Also, when you do Favorites Lists they are not updated or changed with the database updates.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Ok, how would it be possible to update the frequencies on a favorite list

thanks for your help

 

[ManyReason]

The SDS100 is a great scanner. My personal opinion, do not pay to have your scanner programmed. Sit down with the SDS100 and the Sentinel software and dedicate yourself to learning and mastering the programming process. Not only will you be able to customize your scanner the way you like it, but you will get to know your radio and what it can do for you. Per a previous post, the zip code method will get you up and running but if you don't know the specifics and what to tweak you will get meter maids and animal control and who knows what all. There are quite a few of us on here that own the scanner and can answer questions and help you out. Just ask!

JD
kf4anc

Thanks!

 

[TailGator911]

The good news is if there isn't a massive change in your area it really isn't all that necessary to update that often.

That's me, too. If I really want it for something, I will do the update. I'll read the threads and reviews and
then I read the listing of fixes and if I can go without, I do. Sometimes when I update something gets whacked out and something goes screwy, so I avoid that as much as possible. lol Speaking from a recent TRX-1 headache a couple nights ago. I update only if needed.

 

[ManyReason]

Hey guys how do I update the database? Like the radioreference frequencies database for my county?

 

[eaf1956]

Hey guys how do I update the database? Like the radioreference frequencies database for my county?

In Sentinel go to update database.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[eaf1956]

Ok, how would it be possible to update the frequencies on a favorite list

thanks for your help

Basically just manual editing

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[ManyReason]

In Sentinel go to update database.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Thank you!!

 

[ManyReason]

Thank you radioreference forums community you guys are so helpful i cant wait to start scanning and listening when my sds100 comes thank you!!

@eaf1956
@TailGator911
@DJ11DLN

 

[TailGator911]

Yep once you unbox the scanner and plug in and install Sentinel you will click the Check For Updates and right out of the box you will do it all, CPU firmware, Library, then yes to write it all to the scanner and let it do its thing. When it is done you will have the entire USA/Canada database on the sd card in your scanner and be ready to program. You'll also want to get a paid subscription to the Radio Reference website. Look up your state/county/city in the RR database and import the desired systems into Sentinel and start customizing from there. Don't be shy about asking questions in here, we've all done it. Hey, quite a few of us in here are above and beyond 60 years old and we have had to learn just like you and everybody else in here. The first time you attempt to program you will feel kinda like a hog starin' at a stopwatch. Don't get frustrated and above all, have fun with it!

JD
kf4anc

 

[eaf1956]

Hey I just recently learned about the rename Favorites List icon in Sentinel. You never stop finding or learning new things.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[eaf1956]

Another thing about the SDS 100, the supplied antenna does OK until you get a Remtronix 800 MHz antenna. Then you won't go back. That is if you mostly listen to 800 MHz

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[Bob1955]

Hello,
I am in the Lake County, IL scanner and I'm looking to get into scanning police and fire channels in the county. I recently posted a thread asking those in the Lake County, IL area for recommendations on a good scanner that can scan everything in the county (besides encrypted, obviously). I am looking to buy probably a BCD436HP or a TRX-1. Is there anything fancy that one does out of the two that beats the other? And do you guys recommend another scanner that is a good overall?

My main question is what to do after purchasing a scanner. I am probably purchasing from ScannerMaster and they have the programming service. I am completely new to scanning so is this something I am able to do myself? Is it better to just let the guys at ScannerMaster program? Or is it something like I enter my zip code and I'm ready?

My next few questions are what is the maintenance of having a scanner once you are programmed into all the frequencies? Do you have to constantly update or change something every so often to keep up or is there little to no maintenance at all after programming the first time?

And my last question is what is the battery life like on a handheld and how does one charge it (is it disposable batteries or like charging)? I am looking to have a handheld because I can listen to it mostly at home but while I am driving (legal here in IL) and walking around or getting emergency on scene footage or something

Any help appreciated, I'm sorry if I'm asking too much I am just trying to fill in the gaps of questions and concerns I have

Thanks!!

Hi- I would purchase the SDS-100/BCD-436HP from Bearcat Warehouse in Maryland. They offer programing and free shipping on ALL digital scanners. Their toll free number is 877-568-7226 and ask for Paul and he will help pick out the best scanner for your area. They have been in business for about 18 years. They have dropped the Whistler line. You are MUCH better off with Uniden America Corporation.